Local Voices

What I actually meant to post last night was...

Posted on August 11, 2012 at 8:49 pm

Proposed Lee-Meadowbrook Apartments in Cleveland Heights

I'm looking for like-minded individuals or organizations that want to know more about, or speak out against the city of Cleveland Heights giving a $3 million tax abatement to the Bluestone developers to build a 71 unit apartment building with some retail on the first floor. At least 2/3 of these $ would be denied to the CH-UH school system.

The city will also be selling the 5 parcels comprising the subject property for an as-yet unknown $ amount, and without the benefit of any independent appraisal.
To the best of my knowledge, there are no Sustainability or Green requirements in the development agreement - which I have not seen, and which may not exist.
I think that parcel *should* be developed. To benefit the merchants on Lee Road, and all the citizens of CH. And as a beacon to Sustainability.

Perhaps an apartment or hotel that strives for a zero carbon footprint? It could be developed with the cooperation of our universities and industries. It could be a legitimate attraction for science classes at all levels of education, from all over the city, state and nation.

And maybe the first floor could contain a Cedar-Lee exhibit of the 100 previous years?
Anything that is sustainable, and draws folks to Cedar-Lee * CH, and serves as a gateway to the business a little further south.
The mayor wants to "have a shovel in the ground in the fall", so time is of the essence.

I understand the city council will be voting to "certify" the request to the CH-UH school board to approve the requested 11 years, 80% tax abatement at the next council meeting on August 20th. As the developer's own figures show the project is cash flow positive in the first year, I do not understand the need for an abatement, let alone a $3 million abatement.